OMAHA, Neb. (RFD-TV) — The Rural Mainstreet Index has slipped below growth-neutral once again, marking its eighth decline this year and falling to the lowest level since May 2020. Creighton University economist Dr. Ernie Goss joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to break down the latest data.
According to the new report, seven out of ten rural bankers support President Trump’s recent trade steps with China, expressing cautious optimism about future export potential. However, farm loan volumes remain tight, and farmland prices continue to face pressure in many regions.
In his interview with RFD-TV news, Dr. Goss says several factors are driving the decline, including weaker commodity prices, slower farm income, and ongoing uncertainty around trade and interest rates. He noted that key indicators for the ag economy heading into next year will be credit conditions, global trade developments, and overall farm profitability.
Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
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Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Brian Kuehl shares more about the tour to gather farmers’ insights on the economic challenges they face in the ag economy.
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RFD-TV’s farm legal expert, Roger McEowen, digs into the details of both the LRP and the LGM programs, two essential risk management tools for cattle producers.
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Brooks York with Agri-Sompo discusses how this year’s pricing period played out and what it could mean for farmers heading into the end of the season.
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The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
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A rescheduled WASDE, China’s soybean squeeze, barge bottlenecks, and premium beef demand all collide this week — with cash decisions, basis, and risk plans on the line.
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